Academic Wage: Research Associate (Hydroclimate & Fire Weather)

Oregon State University

Oregon State University

Oregon, USA · Corvallis, OR, USA

Posted on May 22, 2026
Position Information
Department Earth, Ocean & Atmo Sci (OAS)
Position Title Academic Wage Appt - Salaried
Job Title Academic Wage: Research Associate (Hydroclimate & Fire Weather)
Appointment Type Academic Wage
Job Location Corvallis
Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option? Yes
Job Summary
The College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences is seeking a salaried, Academic Wage: Research Associate. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term position. This position is anticipated to last approximately 3 months.

The Oregon Climate Change Research Institute (OCCRI) and Oregon Climate Service (OCS) work with local, state, and federal offices and agencies on current and projected future hydroclimate and fire weather. We capitalize on both observations and machine learning and similar models in this work. We also engage with diverse parties to explore how changes in hydroclimate and fire weather affect human systems, livelihoods, and well-being. We anticipate including material on these topics in the eighth Oregon Climate Assessment, which will be published in January, 2027. Current staff are near capacity, and therefore we seek support during summer 2026 to ensure that the assessment is of high quality and delivered to the Oregon legislature on time. Work during summer also will contribute to the long-term research and engagement portfolios of OCCRI and OCS.
Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!


Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.


FACTS:


Top 1.4% university in the world

More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined

1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.

2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties

7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone

100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates

35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color

217k+ alumni worldwide

For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about


Locations:


Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.


Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.


Total Rewards Package:


Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.

Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.

Retirement savings paid by the university.

A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.

Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.

Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.

Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.


Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU’s safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.


2025 Best Place for Working Parents® Designation!


Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities
70% Climate analysis-Conduct analyses related to hydroclimate variability and change or fire weather and their effects on economic risk or livelihoods in the Pacific Northwest.

20% Communication-Communicate analytical methods and results to scientists and non-technical partners in written, graphic, and oral form. Ensure that visual summaries of data are clear and accessible to diverse audiences.

10% Study design- Work with OCCRI, OCS, and collaborators within and outside OSU to finalize the design of high-quality, feasible analyses on hydroclimate-related topics of relevance to Oregonians.
What You Will Need
  • Ph.D. in Earth science, atmospheric science, or a related field
  • Understanding of science related to hydroclimate and fire weather
  • Expertise in analysis of global climate models
  • Expertise in applications of climate data to quantification of financial risk
  • Ability to communicate topics related to climate and climate change to scientists and non-technical partners in written, oral, and graphic formats
What We Would Like You to Have
  • Understanding of hydroclimate and fire weather in the Pacific Northwest
  • Experience in collaboration with interested and affected parties in finance or banking
  • Record of peer-reviewed publication in hydroclimate and related topics
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
  • The position is in a typical office environment. Schedule is flexible and remote work is feasible as agreed on by the employee and supervisor.
Pay Method Salary
Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range Salary is commensurate with skills, education, and experience.
Link to Position Description
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number P09936UF
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 06/29/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date 09/28/2026
Posting Date 05/21/2026
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date 06/04/2026
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact:
Erica Fleishman
erica.fleishman@oregonstate.edu

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.